RV camping near Port Townsend offers access to the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula with views across Puget Sound. Sites generally sit at elevations below 300 feet, experiencing milder temperatures than inland locations due to maritime influences. Winter low temperatures typically stay above freezing, while summer highs rarely exceed 75°F, creating favorable year-round camping conditions for properly equipped vehicles.
What to do
Beach exploration: 20 minutes from Point Hudson Marina & RV Park, where campers have "beautiful views and access for culling, kayaking, and paddle boarding... It is an easy walk or bike ride to coffee shops, beach, State Park, etc." Point Hudson's waterfront location provides direct shore access for water activities.
Historic district visits: Many campsites provide easy access to Port Townsend's Victorian architecture and boutique shopping. One visitor to Point Hudson noted it's "at the edge of downtown Port Townsend with Water and Washington streets right there, and even uptown quite accessible as well."
Naval aviation viewing: From Cliffside RV Park on Whidbey Island, visitors can watch military aircraft operations. "Air force planes fly right above so it can be noisy (but also exciting) when they are flying by," notes one reviewer. The park sits directly under flight paths, offering unique aviation viewing opportunities.
Olympic Peninsula exploration: Use Elwha Dam RV Park as a base camp for exploring Olympic National Park. One camper explains it's "a great base camp for exploring the peninsula" with "lots of outdoor activity areas and places to explore within walking distance."
What campers like
Waterfront camping spots: Several rv parks Port Townsend Washington area feature premium waterside locations. Campers at Cliffside RV Park appreciate the "setting is incredible right over a bluff overlooking the Sound. The grounds are immaculately maintained, bathrooms are sparkling clean."
Nearby town amenities: Port Ludlow RV Park provides access to additional services. "It's part of the Port Ludlow development, which includes a golf course, a marina, and shops." Many campers value having these conveniences while still enjoying forest surroundings.
Community gardens: Elwha Dam RV Park offers unique access to fresh produce. One reviewer highlights "They offer a community garden, so feel free to gather at no cost fresh veggies." Another mentions "They offer free produce to the campers from their garden & free movie rentals."
Wooded privacy: Unlike the open layouts mentioned in the existing description, Port Ludlow RV Park offers "a forrested with great layout" where "the setting is fantastic with a lay out that lets you feel like you've got your privacy in the woods."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer bookings fill quickly at popular locations. For North Whidbey RV Park, campers warn "We spent 4 nights here as a jumping-off point to explore Whidbey Island... You'll definitely need to book well in advance for this one."
Military restrictions: Some campgrounds require military credentials. Cliffside RV Park notes "You need to be a active or retired military member to enter the base and stay at this campground."
Seasonal facilities: Not all amenities remain open year-round. At Thousand Trails La Conner, a visitor warned "June 2023 dump stations and all campsite sewer hookups are down for maintenance. Nearest offsite dumps are 10 miles away."
Cell service variations: Coverage differs by location and carrier. At Cliffside RV Park, campers report "Decent WIFI throughout the campground, better in some places. Poor AT&T cell reception."
Site layout constraints: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs or provide privacy. One North Whidbey reviewer noted "We were in RV spot C-22 and it was quite a tight and unlevel location. The pavement on the grounds is not in great condition with lots of bumps and ditches."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Elwha Dam RV Park offers facilities specifically for children. "Play equipment for the kids along with family outside & inside games," notes one visitor. Another reviewer calls it "a good family/kid friendly place."
Beach access considerations: Certain beaches near campsites have specific conditions. Regarding Thousand Trails La Conner, one camper clarified "The ocean side is pretty but do not expect a sandy beach."
Quiet areas: Some campgrounds offer better sound insulation from road noise. Port Ludlow has "a quiet beautiful area great for camping with the family and enjoying wilderness," while others mention "surprising road noise" at certain locations.
Entertainment options: Various campgrounds provide different activities. Thousand Trails La Conner includes "mini golf is fun, and the walks to 'Lone Tree' at sunset are amazing." Other parks offer movie rentals and outdoor games.
RV tips
Site levelness varies: Many RV parks Port Townsend Washington area have uneven spots. At North Whidbey, "The pavement on the grounds is not in great condition with lots of bumps and ditches, but we were able to finagle our trailer to a stable spot."
Big rig accessibility: Certain parks specifically accommodate larger vehicles. One North Whidbey visitor confirmed "Nice grass around all the campsites, 50 Amp electricity, water and sewer. Picnic table at every site. Lovely location but it can be noisy due to proximity to road and navy jets."
Kitchen facilities: Some parks provide community kitchen access. At Elwha Dam, "The kitchen is excellent—they provide and allow you to borrow just about any kitchen utensil you might need."
Parking configurations: Site layouts differ between parks. Gilgal Oasis RV Park has "No dirt or mud here everything paved and clean. Yes the sites are close together but everything was clean and campers were respectful during our stay."
